Name: Garlic Honey Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless); Pinch of Salt; Pinch of Pepper; 1 tsp Paprika; 2 Eggs; 2 cups Corn Flakes (crushed); 2 tbsp Honey; 4 tsp Soy Sauce; 1 tsp Garlic (minced)

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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, tender chicken with a sweet and savory glaze, this Garlic Honey Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. Imagine juicy chicken tenders with a crunchy cornflake crust, kissed by a luscious honey garlic sauce that brings together just the right amount of sweetness and garlic punch. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dish that makes weeknight dinners feel special without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several pieces of raw chicken seasoned with a reddish spice mix, arranged on a light wooden cutting board. The chicken pieces vary in shape and size, some looking like fillets while others appear chunkier. There is a silver knife with a smooth blade resting on the board near the chicken. The background has been changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients will have you ready to create a flavorful and irresistible meal. Each component plays a key role from seasoning to texture and that glossy finish that makes these chicken tenders shine.

Chicken breast (boneless, skinless): The star protein, sliced into perfect tender-sized pieces for quick cooking.
Salt and pepper (pinch each): Basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a gentle smoky warmth and a pop of color to the coating.
Eggs (2): Helps the coating stick evenly to each chicken tender.
Corn flakes (2 cups, crushed): Gives a satisfyingly crunchy crust that’s lighter than traditional breadcrumbs.
Honey (2 tbsp): Natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the glaze.
Soy sauce (4 tsp): Brings a savory depth and slight saltiness to balance the honey.
Garlic (1 tsp, minced): Packs a punch of aromatic flavor in the glaze for that irresistible garlicky zing.

How to Make Garlic Honey Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Tenders

Start by slicing your chicken breast into tender-sized cutlets. Season each piece generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning step is crucial because it builds a flavorful base that shines through even after cooking and glazing.

Step 2: Set Up the Coating Station

Crack the eggs into a small bowl and lightly beat them. In a separate bowl, crush the corn flakes until they reach a slightly coarse texture. This combination ensures your chicken tenders will have that fantastic crispy crunch after air frying.

Step 3: Coat Your Chicken

Dredge each seasoned chicken tender in the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Then roll it in the crushed corn flakes, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well. This double-step creates the perfect crunchy crust that contrasts wonderfully with the juicy inside.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Place your coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each to allow hot air to circulate evenly. Air fry at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through. The air fryer is your secret weapon for crispy results without the extra oil.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Honey Glaze

While the tenders cook, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl. This glaze is the magic touch that elevates the dish — the honey’s sweetness balances the garlic’s punch, while the soy sauce adds a savory umami boost.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Once your chicken tenders come out of the air fryer, toss them gently in the garlic honey glaze to coat every crispy bite. Serve warm for that perfect melty texture that makes this Garlic Honey Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe something you’ll want to make again and again.

How to Serve Garlic Honey Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

The image shows nine pieces of crispy fried chicken strips inside a black air fryer basket. Each chicken strip is covered in a rough, golden-brown coating made of cornflake crumbs that create a crunchy texture with some small loose flakes scattered around. The chicken pieces are arranged unevenly, filling most of the basket. The background is a white marbled texture. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a fresh and vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top. Sesame seeds also add a subtle nutty flavor and a lovely contrast to the shiny glaze, making each bite even more delightful visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

These chicken tenders pair beautifully with light and crunchy salads, like a crisp cabbage slaw or a simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For heartier options, try serving alongside roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or even steamed jasmine rice to soak up the extra glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this dish from casual dinner to party hit by presenting the tenders on a platter with dipping sauces like spicy sriracha mayo or a cooling ranch dip. Skewer individual tenders for easy finger food during gatherings or lunch boxes, making this Garlic Honey Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe a versatile crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the glaze separate until reheating helps maintain that wonderful crispy texture and prevents the tenders from becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze these tenders after cooking by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to a month, making it easy to enjoy this flavorful dish anytime you need a quick meal.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes, which crisps the coating back up while warming the chicken through. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to keep that delicious crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use breadcrumbs instead of corn flakes?

Absolutely! While corn flakes lend a uniquely crunchy texture, plain or panko breadcrumbs work well too, offering a slightly different but equally delicious crust.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, as long as you use gluten-free corn flakes and soy sauce. Double-check product labels to ensure there’s no hidden gluten in your ingredients.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can bake these tenders in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve a crispy finish.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the honey garlic glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before tossing with the warm chicken tenders.

How do I make the tenders extra crispy?

For extra crispy results, spray the coated tenders lightly with cooking spray before air frying. This helps the cornflake crust brown perfectly and adds that irresistible crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Honey Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is truly a game-changer for those busy days when you want comfort food that feels special but comes together quickly. The combination of crispy chicken and that sticky-sweet garlic glaze is endlessly satisfying. I promise that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen just like it did in mine. Go ahead, give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!